1 B2 idiomatic informal
To live or pass time without clear purpose, goals, or ambition.
"After university, he just drifted along for a few years, moving from one temporary job to another."
inseparable
drift along
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
To live or move without purpose, direction, or ambition, letting things happen rather than making decisions.
In plain English
To go through life without any real plan or goal, just letting things happen.
What does "drift along" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To move slowly and without effort in a current of water or air.
"The small boat drifted along the river with no one at the helm."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To float or move gently along a current without steering.
Actually means
To go through life without any real plan or goal, just letting things happen.
Usage tip
Usually has a slightly negative or melancholy tone, implying a lack of ambition or control. Can also be used more literally for things floating or moving without direction.
Words that pair with "drift along"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
life job relationship career years aimlessly
How to conjugate "drift along"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
drift along
I/you/we/they
3rd person
drifts along
he/she/it
Past simple
drifted along
yesterday
Past participle
drifted along
have + pp
-ing form
drifting along
continuous
Hear "drift along" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "drift along" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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